Monday, April 20, 2009

Ace goes to the Model Show...

Saturday, April 18th was the date for the International Plastic Modelers Society-Seattle chapter spring model show... As many of you know, I have been building models for over half of my life. However, other that entering one at the Puyallup Fair last year, I have never entered any of my models in any show or contest - ever. Some of the guys in my model car club (Puget Sound Auto Modelers Association - PSAMA) convinced me that it is fun and that my models are at a level to be somewhat competitive. So I decided that I would take a few down and see what happened. I didn't have any expectations of anything since it was my first time and I would be "learning the ropes" so to speak. The show was held at the Renton Community Center just off I-405 and Hwy 169. Registration started at 9 AM and the show opened to the public at 10. Judging started at noon and awards at 4 PM. I got there about 9:30, signed in and went and set up my cars on the table. ". There were not a lot of car categories as this was not just a model car show, it was a show for all sorts of models as you will see in a bit, so I entered all my models in the same category, class 503 - Custom Automotive. I took three cars with me, my 67 Impala and Mercedes SLK Tuner, both of which you have seen in earlier blogs here, and also the little PT Cruiser Sedan Delivery that I made for our "farm vehicle". Once I got them all set up and on the bench, it was time to look at all the models. The IPMS-Seattle Show is touted as the largest model show in the PNW, and after seening how many were here, I could believe it. The variety of things to see was amazing!!! I filled up the memory chip on our camera in about an hour :) Here are just a few of my favorites in no particular order:




The next thing to do was to cruise all of the vendor booths :) There were models and supplies of all kinds. It was hard to control myself, but I limited myself to two purchases, both of which you will probably see in future blogs, so I'll keep them secret for the time being :) Then outside for a while to enjoy the great sunshine and shoot the breeze. Once we made it back in, judging was underway so I stayed away from the car section to give them time to do their thing. I know from my own judging, I don't like it when folks joggle my elbow, so I try not to do it to others.
Once the judging was over, we mostly hung out around our models and did a bit of bench racing and more breeze shooting :) You guys all know what it is like hanging around with folks when you share a common interest with them. Same thing here. I guess that it was about 3:30 or so when the judges came around and started placing the ribbons on the table. So, one more look at the Impala on the table because...:


IT TOOK SECOND PLACE IN IT'S CATEGORY !!!!! Talk about knock me over with a feather :) There were some really nice cars in that class and I still can't really believe that happened. I was already out of space on the camera and it was back out in the truck so I didn't get any photos of it on the table with the ribbon... And just for your information, here is the first place winner in the custom class... He had several cars entered in the class and they were all as nice as this one in my opinion. I am looking forward to the next show now, the PSAMA Show on May 10th in Puyallup. It is only a model car show, so it should bring out more cars that didn't attend the IPMS show... Heh, now one MORE thing to occupy my time :)
-Dave

3 comments:

Donna said...

Congratulations! I do not know much about model cars but think yours are gorgeous!

Dave said...

Thanks Donna !!!! I feel exactly the same way seeing all the wonderful fibery things that you all make :)

Tina said...

Whoo Hoo!!!! Now that is the way to start! Congratulations. :)

Wow, what amazing models of all kinds.